Ontario Premier Doug Ford has doubled down on his threat to have Diageo products pulled from Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores. This dramatic move comes in response to the spirits giant's plan to shutter its bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario.
A Press Conference Ultimatum
The Premier's stark warning was delivered during a press conference in Kitchener on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. In a symbolic act, Ford was photographed emptying a bottle of Crown Royal whisky, a flagship brand under the Diageo umbrella. He directly criticized the multinational corporation for its decision to close the Ontario plant in the coming months, a move that puts local jobs at risk.
The Stakes for Ontario's Retail Market
The potential removal of Diageo's portfolio from the LCBO represents a significant escalation. The LCBO is the primary retail channel for spirits in the province, and Diageo's brands, including the immensely popular Crown Royal, represent a major segment of sales. Ford's threat leverages the government's control over alcohol distribution to apply economic pressure, aiming to force Diageo to reconsider its closure plan for the Amherstburg operation.
The closure timeline indicates the plant will cease operations within the next few months, though an exact date has not been publicly finalized. The Premier's office has framed the potential product pull as a matter of supporting Ontario workers and the local manufacturing sector, signaling a willingness to engage in a high-stakes standoff with one of the world's largest beverage alcohol companies.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This confrontation highlights the tension between global corporate strategies and provincial economic interests. While Diageo has not publicly responded to this latest reaffirmation of Ford's threat, the company's next steps will be closely watched. The situation leaves LCBO officials in a difficult position, potentially preparing for a scenario where a wide array of popular spirits could vanish from store shelves if a resolution is not found.
The outcome of this dispute will set a notable precedent for how the Ontario government intervenes in private sector business decisions that impact local employment. Consumers, workers, and the broader business community are now awaiting Diageo's official response to the Premier's reinforced ultimatum.
